Had to share one thought from the leadership seminar at the Assemblies of God General Council. Dary Northrop shared an amazing story about a stripper that found Christ at their Church–Timberline church. And he talked about how when you’re really reaching the unchurched it is messy! Then he shared a thought from the parable of the prodigal son.

If the younger brother had run into his elder brother first he would have never made it inside the house! Unfortunately, our churches are filled with the elder brother spirit. And sometimes it is the religiousity of elder brothers that can actually keep prodigals from reuniting with their Heavenly Father! That thought was worth the trip to Indy!

Dary also talked about the difference between loving people before they change and after they get cleaned up. That is the challenge and the trick! He said people won’t change until they are fully loved. I think he’s right!